Macmillan Accessibility Information

Achieve is an online learning platform offering learning and assessment materials from academic publisher Macmillan Learning. Achieve integrates with the Canvas learning management system and is also used as a stand alone platform on the web.

Affected Users

In most cases, Macmillan Achieve is accessible to people using assistive technologies; however, there are a few known issues detailed here, and there remains a possibility that additional barriers arise when using the service. Known accessibility issues with Macmillan will primarily affect students and instructors with low vision, blindness, or color blindness, and students using keyboard support.

Known Accessibility Barriers

VoiceOver

In quizzes, when math content is used in checkbox labels, VoiceOver does not announce it, and checkboxes appear unlabeled. Mac screenreader users should be given and alternative version of the quiz in Word, Canvas, or another accessible format.

Reflow and Contrast

Reflow creates an issue with horizontal scrolling when taking quizzes on a mobile platform; horizontal scrolling is possible when using the web.

Homework assignments that have multiple attempts meet contrast requirements but the drop shadow obscures this. Instructors should avoid using multiple attempts, and instead make a copy of the assignment for the impacted students. Remediation work is underway on this issue.

Keyboard

For keyboard users, a number of elements do not display visible tab focus.

Additional Notes

Macmillan has noted that the product is partially operable with keyboard navigation and screen reader use and for people with limited vision. In addition to the known issues detailed here, it is possible other areas of Macmillan do not meet accessibility standards for color contrast minimums, content reflow, or keyboard only use. If people using only a keyboard or screenreader, or with limited vision are unable to complete activities due an accessibility barrier, they should notify their instructor and AccessibleNU immediately and the instructor or TA will need to create an alternate version of the activity or assessment in Canvas Quizzes

Alternate Access

If people using only a keyboard are unable to complete activities due to issues with tab focus, the instructor or TA should create an alternate version of the activity in Canvas.

In limited cases, students could be provided access to JAWS if needed as an accommodation through AccessibleNU.

In other specific cases listed above, there are alternate options available to complete Macmillan activities, though there is the potential for unidentified issues to arise. If people using only a keyboard or screenreader, or with limited vision are unable to complete activities due an accessibility barrier, they should notify their instructor and AccessibleNU immediately and the instructor or TA will need to create an alternate version of the activity or assessment in Canvas Quizzes.

Communication

An accessibility statement should be included on the syllabus noting the accessibility barriers for students using screenreaders and keyboard support, and for those with limited vision. Students should notify the instructor immediately, and the instructor and department should contact AccessibleNU promptly. Instructors can also share Macmillan information from the Canvas Learning Center.

Suggested statement may include: "Macmillan has some known accessibility issues related screen reader and/or keyboard only use, and for people with limited vision. Should you encounter accessibility issues using the tool, please contact your instructor ASAP for alternative access options."

Additional Support

The instructor of the course is responsible for implementing the alternate access solution and the department the course is within is responsible for providing any support in creating alternate versions of assignments or in proving human support.

They can contact Accessible NU at accessiblenu@northwestern.edu and Teaching & Learning Technologies at canvas@northwestern.edu if guidance is needed.

For student(s), contact AccessibleNU at accessiblenu@northwestern.edu.

For faculty, staff, or the general public, contact the Office of Equity at accommodations@northwestern.edu